Definition:Roman Numerals/Historical Note

Historical Note on Roman Numerals

Before the adoption of the Arabic numerals, abacism was the usual technique for doing arithmetic, originating in ancient times.

It is still used in rural areas of, for example, the Asian steppes, where writing materials are not to be wasted and electronic aids are un-needed.

With the invention of the techniques offered by the so-called Arabic numerals in mediaeval times, an alternative method of doing arithmetic developed, called algorism.